In his spot-on piece, the renowned columnist compares Chris Gibson with his “competitor.” However, it’s clear there is no competition, as Chris’ journey to Congress is far more interesting, gritty, hard-fought and patriotic than that of instant fame and fortune relocating in search of a political seat to expand the reach of NYC “progressives.”

Will, in his Pulitzer Prize-winning style, paints a picture of a man enthusiastically shopping for political office with a fortune earned by his Facebook-founding husband. Sean Eldridge’s recent move to NY-19 and immediate decisions to run for Congress show that he’s motivated, but the 27-year-old’s motivations are suspect. We need a representative in Congress, not someone who is interested only in representing himself and his limited agenda.

Chris Gibson, on the other hand, is a life-long public servant. Since retiring from the army and being elected to Congress, he has listened to his constituents and learned from his neighbors in order to represent them in Washington. He gauges how they think from their letters, emails and the hundreds of constituent events he attends when he is home. This is evident from the support he receives from across the district and across the political spectrum.

Chris represents the people of the 19th District so well because he grew up here, because he lives here and he knows us. That kind of experience and dedication can’t be bought. Don’t just take my word for it, read the opinion of one of the greatest political minds in America: “A progressive battle in upstate New York,” by George F Will.